Dune. Denis. I owe you my life. 

As many of you know, Christopher Walken is a little bit of my own Lisan al Gaib — Chris and The Deer Hunter saved my very life. So seeing this in person was a HUGE deal for me. 

Something in my heart ruptured and it brought me to a sob. My own water, my life-water, for someone I believe my soul knows. What a moment! Denis has given me a joy my heart will never forget.

I believe this film is a time-stamp or capsule of sorts. A piece of cinematic history that captures our generation’s greatest talent in their own singular moments. Absolute supernovas. Moreover, it gives future generations an idea of the talent New Hollywood possessed: Christopher Walken and Charlotte Rampling. Titans. I will cherish them for the rest of my life.

An article by Vulture recently asked the question, does Christopher Walken know that he’s in Dune? Of course he does. He’s just the first actor to not give a shit. You want Walken, you get Walken. Denis knew this (goddamn genius). True homage to David Lynch. Walken is a weapon, a landmark, a true emperor. 

Given that Walken is in the winter of his career, finding out he got this part made me legitimately scream in front of people I hardly knew. This is the role I have prayed for him to get for so long. A memorable, regal role that demonstrates his commitment, ability, elegance and grace as an actor. To me, this is a medal, a diadem, a symbol of ascension. I pray that 50 years from now people still recognize that strange face and voice. They will. They will. 

Aside from Walken which was naturally my very favorite part, this film IS!!!!! extraordinary. I was generously impressed by each performance - something that is very rare for me. Zendaya has finally grown into a talented, regal actress. I believed in her. Chalamet, though I don’t like him as a person much, is electrifying. He deeply moved me in a manner I’m not used to. Butler proves again he is capable of what few others are: the ability to morph into another skin. I believe Daniel Day-Lewis would be incredibly proud. Retching miasma and darkness. Ferguson is a delight - captivating, commanding, and highly intuitive. I don’t believe this would work as well without her. Bardem: classically talented, authentic, and genuinely funny. This film needed him. Pugh, though not given too much to work with, is still hardly evanescent. She is a Princess Grace-esque princess to me. She could be from Camelot. Remarkable talent. Truly, some of the greatest performances I’ve ever witnessed. 

Dune itself is biblical. The genesis of sci-fi. The nexus of an oversaturated, frequently cliched genre. What comes close? Not very much. Villeneuve’s interpretation brought to life is a flaming, sacred heart, full of love and ion. A nerd’s true love and ion. What a gift! A jubilee! A once in a lifetime experience. I am so grateful to be alive as the same time as this work of art. Fucking transcendental. My god. 

Did you know the entire cast was terrified to meet Christopher Walken? Not because he’s played scary villains. They were terrified to meet a legend. A weapon, a landmark, a true emperor. That’s my motherfucking hero! We did it! We made it.